I and many Valley Streamers drew a sigh of relief upon hearing of the capture of a suspect wanted in connection with three violent attacks in and near our community. I certainly feel better now that he has been arrested, but I feel there is more work to be done: work that can improve our lines of communication with our police enforcement and safety patrols; work that can restore our love and sense of safety in our parks and public spaces that was so unfairly taken away by one man’s actions; work that can develop community-driven strategies and have a meaningful impact in our community.

I hope you will be a part of that work, starting this Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 854, at 51 Roosevelt Ave. in Valley Stream, where I and other community leaders are hosting a crime forum.